Michigan

This May 22, 2013 file photo shows customers at a Hobby Lobby store in Denver. The Supreme Court says corporations can hold religious objections that allow them to opt out of the new health law requirement that they cover contraceptives for women.
(AP Photo | Ed Andrieski)

SAGINAW, MI — Two Republicans candidates seeking to replace U.S. Rep Dave Camp, R-Midland, have voiced their support for a Supreme Court decision allowing some corporations to refuse insurance coverage of contraceptives on religious grounds.

The 5-4 decision by the court released Monday, June 30, says the federal Department of Health and Human Services violated the religious freedom protections of "closely held" companies by requiring Hobby Lobby and two other businesses to provide the coverage.

The decision has generally drawn ire from liberal groups and Democratic politicians, while pro-life groups and Republicans have generally supported the ruling.

In August, three candidates are vying for the Republican nomination to the 4th congressional district seat currently held by Camp, who is retiring.

Two of those candidates — Paul Mitchell and John Moolenaar — released statements on the Supreme Court ruling. The third Republican vying for the seat, Roscommon businessman Peter Konetchy, could not be reached for comment.

Thomas Township resident and local businessman Paul Mitchell expressed his satisfaction with the decision.

"This is a huge win for religious freedom," Mitchell said. "Justice Samuel Alito described the contraception mandate within Obamacare as 'unlawful.' I say the entire Obamacare Act must be repealed. It is just plain wrong for America."

State Sen. John Moolenaar, R-Midland, also took issue with requirements set up by the federal health care law.

"One of America's founding principles is religious liberty, rooted in the belief that the government does not have the power to infringe upon your religious convictions," said Moolenaar, R-Midland. "I applaud the Supreme Court for their decision, and standing up for protecting constitutional religious rights in America by ensuring that health care providers are not forced to do or buy something that is against their personal religious beliefs."

The state senator pointed to Senate Bill 136, proposed legislation he sponsored that seeks to allow an individual or health care entity to assert a conscientious objection to a specific health care service without fear of repercussion.

The bill was recommended for approval by the House Committee on Health Policy, but has not yet been considered on the floor of the Michigan Senate.

The winner of the Republican primary in August will face Alma physician Dr. Jeff Holmes, the lone Democratic candidate in the race, in November. Holmes could not immediately be reached for comment on the court's decision.

The 4th Congressional District includes part of Saginaw County and a wide area of the central and northern Lower Peninsula.